Garden Whistle Mar 2012 - Sandman.org.nz

The Garden Whistle - March 2012Trains on the Brain(reprint from the “Christchurch Mail” newspaper, April 2009)By Bernadette CooneyA collection of eclectic railway memorabiliaadorn the walls and display cabinets of PhillipCooke's home, a railways collection enthusiastwho has also worked for the rail industry all hislife.A signals maintenance man for OnTrack, Phillipis an avid collector of rail history from NewZealand and overseas, a passion for collectingthat started with his first model railway set atage 10.From iconic New Zealand Rail crockery, tomaps, tickets, medallions, signal lamps and barrierarms if it is rail related Phillip may have itor at least know where to find it.Among his treasure trove is an array of unionmedallions, conductor's carriage keys, badges,uniform buttons, and the original opening ceremonyprogramme from the grand opening ofChristchurch Railway Station in November1960.Opened by government minister MichaelMoohan, the Moorhouse Ave station stood as amonument to the glory days of New Zealand railpassenger travel before cars became commonplace.An Edwardian silver plated tea set presentedto J K Bogle in 1910 upon retirement, after34 years of service for New Zealand Railin Napier, is perhaps the oldest and mostdistinct collection piece Mr Cooke has. Asilver chalice used as the trophy for a tugof-warchallenge by Lyttelton rail workers,dated 1925, is another unusual memento.Phil Cooke and some of his train mementos"I went to the 150th anniversary of rail in theUK in 1980, which was a real buzz. There's a lotof people out there collecting stuff. In fact, anythingtransport related is hugely popular to collect,"he said.When not working or collecting, Mr Cookedraws on his love of all things Edwardianthrough his involvement in the Friends of FerrymeadFraternity, a group which promotes theaims of Ferrymead Heritage Park and staffs theCurragh Cottage and Brittenden Drapery atweekends.Jigsaw puzzles made by Chad Valleybetween 1933 and 1939 for the GreatWestern Railway, United Kingdom, oldLondon Underground rail maps and Beziqueplaying cards are among Mr Cooke'sfinds, sourced mainly from word-ofmouth,internet auction and overseas conventions.Phil Cook holds a New Zealand Railways bowling ball and anEdwardian silver plated tea setPage 19